spark plug

noun

1
: a part that fits into the cylinder head of an internal combustion engine and carries two electrodes separated by an air gap across which the current from the ignition system discharges to form the spark for combustion
2
: one that initiates or gives impetus to an undertaking
sparkplug transitive verb

Examples of spark plug in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The reason is that diesels do not emit as much radio interference as spark plugs and electric motors. Popular Science, 7 Mar. 2024 The spark plug shortstop who’s hit 85 homers and been worth more than 11 wins above replacement in 2 1/2 years? Journal Sentinel, 30 Jan. 2024 With star freshman JuJu Watkins fouling out at the end of regulation, Williams, a 5-foot-7 defensive spark plug who is working back from offseason surgery, played a season-high 26 minutes. Thuc Nhi Nguyen, Los Angeles Times, 6 Mar. 2024 But this team has one athletic spark plug these days: Jonathan Kuminga. Dieter Kurtenbach, The Mercury News, 10 Jan. 2024 Frankly, when the Wolves don’t move the ball or simply don’t play with much energy, McLaughlin has been inserted as a spark plug. Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 2 Jan. 2024 When added to the fuel, the compound produced mixed results: Knock was reduced considerably, but the new fuel eroded spark plugs almost on contact. Steven Johnson, New York Times, 15 Mar. 2023 Quinten Johnson’s tackle, however, caused the slippery spark plug to fumble. Bryce Miller, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 Jan. 2024 And almost all of it was on display at Rennsport Reunion, from early engines with twin spark plugs and early experiments with aerodynamics through turbocharging, hybrids, and now extremely high-performance EVs. Jonathan M. Gitlin, Ars Technica, 16 Oct. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'spark plug.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1903, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of spark plug was in 1903

Dictionary Entries Near spark plug

Cite this Entry

“Spark plug.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spark%20plug. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

spark plug

noun
1
: a device used in an engine to produce a spark that ignites a fuel mixture
2
: one that begins something or drives something forward

More from Merriam-Webster on spark plug

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